Agreement between methods of measurement with multiple observations per individual

Limits of agreement provide a straightforward and intuitive approach to agreement between different methods for measuring the same quantity. When pairs of observations using the two methods are independent, i.e., on different subjects, the calculations are very simple and straightforward. Some authors collect repeated data, either as repeated pairs of measurements on the same subject, whose true value of the measured quantity may be changing, or more than one measurement by one or both methods of an unchanging underlying quantity. In this paper we describe methods for analysing such clustered observations, both when the underlying quantity is assumed to be changing and when it is not

Noise Correlations of Hard-core Bosons: Quantum Coherence and Symmetry Breaking

Noise correlations, such as those observable in the time of flight images of a released cloud, are calculated for hard-core bosonic (HCB) atoms. We find that the standard mapping of HCB systems onto spin-1/2 XY models fails in application to computation of noise correlations due to the contribution of multiply occupied virtual states in HCB systems. Such states do not exist in spin models. An interesting manifestation of such states is the breaking of particle-hole symmetry in HCB. We use noise correlations to explore quantum coherence of strongly correlated bosons in the fermionized regime with and without external parabolic confinement. Our analysis points to distinctive new experimental signatures of the Mott phase.Comment: 17 pages, 6 figures. This is a detailed revised version of quant-ph/0507153. It has been submitted to Journal of Physics B: the special edition for the Cortona BEC worksho

SO(4) Theory of Competition between Triplet Superconductivity and Antiferromagnetism in Bechgaard Salts

Motivated by recent experiments with Bechgaard salts, we investigate the competition between antiferromagnetism and triplet superconductivity in quasi one-dimensional electron systems. We unify the two orders in an SO(4) symmetric framework, and demonstrate the existence of such symmetry in one-dimensional Luttinger liquids. SO(4) symmetry, which strongly constrains the phase diagram, can explain coexistence regions between antiferromagnetic, superconducting, and normal phases, as observed in (TMTSF)$_2$PF$_6$. We predict a sharp neutron scattering resonance in superconducting samples.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures; Added discussion of applicability of SO(4) symmetry for strongly anisotropic Fermi liquids; Added reference

The shape of equality: discourses around the Section 28 repeal in Scotland

This article focuses on conceptualizations of equality in the discourses deployed in the campaign to repeal Section 28 in Scotland. I use the parliamentary debates and two newspapers: the Daily Record, which supported the campaign to Keep the Clause, and The Guardian, which supported repeal, to exemplify the different discursive articulations around equality and citizenship. I suggest that the Scottish example provides further evidence of the ways in which liberalism naturalizes heterosexuality as the standard for citizenship and thus bequeaths a hierarchy of 'equality' and citizenship in the realm of sexuality, wherein lesbian and gay citizenship is either rendered invalid or characterized as 'special rights'. However, within the narrow confines of the parliamentary debates, more expansive and differentiated notions of citizenship and equality are evident. Whilst I conclude that the 'shape' of equality achieved through the repeal has been moulded to support institutionalized heterosexuality - with Section 28 replaced by statutory guidelines on sex education which advocate marriage - I also suggest equality is contested, both through the recognition of transformations in heterosexual family forms and the appeal to non-discrimination as a democratic principle. It is possible, therefore, that current destabilizations of the heterosexual social order simultaneously destabilize the precepts of liberal democracy

Early detection of plant diseases using spectral data

Early detection of crop disease is an essential step in food security. Usually, the detection becomes possible in a stage where disease symptoms are already visible on the aerial part of the plant. However, once the disease has manifested in different parts of the plant, little can be done to salvage the situation. Here, we suggest that the use of visible and near infrared spectral information facilitates disease detection in cassava crops before symptoms can be seen by the human eye. To test this hypothesis, we grow cassava plants in a screen house where they are inoculated with disease viruses. We monitor the plants over time collecting both spectra and plant tissue for wet chemistry analysis. Our results demonstrate that suitably trained classifiers are indeed able to detect cassava diseases. Specifically, we consider Generalized Matrix Relevance Learning Vector Quantization (GMLVQ) applied to original spectra and, alternatively, in combination with dimension reduction by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We show that successful detection is possible shortly after the infection can be confirmed by wet lab chemistry, several weeks before symptoms manifest on the plants

Fiziopunktura as a non-drug method of harmonization of VNS at children with chronic diseases of gastroduodenal localization

The chronic disease of gastroduodenal localization is very widespread, is accom panied by a frequent retsidivirovaniye and insufficient efficiency of carried-out therapy. The reasons leading to developm ent of the chronic erosive gastroduodenita (CEG) and stom ach ulcer of a duodenal gut (YaBDPK) at children, remain insufficiently studied, and the data published in literature on a role of separate predictors are inconsistent. In the real research the analysis of the antenatalny and perinatal periods of life at observed patients (487 children) is carried out. The received data allowed to prove own concept этиопатогенеза stomach ulcer of a stomach and a duodenal gut at children from which follows that increase of sensitivity of a childrens organism to the various etiologichesky reasons requires cumulative action of defining, contributing and aggravating factors. They cause decrease in adaptation potential, failure of the self-regulating mechanisms providing automatism of functioning of bodies. The developed model of formation erozivno - ulcer defeat of the top departments of ZhKT allowed to introduce highly effective method fiziopunktura.Хроническое заболевание гастродуоденальной локализации является весьма распространенным, сопровождается частым рецидивированием и недостаточной эффективностью проводимой терапии. Актуальность проблемы в значительной степени определяется сложностью сочетания факторов, способствующих формированию заболевания. Причины, приводящие к развитию хронического эрозивного гастродуоденита (ХЗГ) и язвенной болезни двенадцатиперстной кишки (ЯБДПК) у детей, остаются недостаточно изученными, а опубликованные в литературе данные о роли отдельных предикторов противоречивы. Проведенные исследования позволили обосновать собственную концепцию этиопатогенеза язвенной болезни желудка и двенадцатиперстной кишки у детей, основанную на совокупном действии определяющих, предрасполагающих и усугубляющих факторов. Разработанная модель формирования эрозивно - язвенного поражения верхних отделов ЖКТ послужила обоснованием для внедрения эффективного метода лечения — физиопунктуры

A survey of statistics in three UK general practice journal

Background Many medical specialities have reviewed the statistical content of their journals. To our knowledge this has not been done in general practice. Given the main role of a general practitioner as a diagnostician we thought it would be of interest to see whether the statistical methods reported reflect the diagnostic process. Methods Hand search of three UK journals of general practice namely the British Medical Journal (general practice section), British Journal of General Practice and Family Practice over a one-year period (1 January to 31 December 2000). Results A wide variety of statistical techniques were used. The most common methods included t-tests and Chi-squared tests. There were few articles reporting likelihood ratios and other useful diagnostic methods. There was evidence that the journals with the more thorough statistical review process reported a more complex and wider variety of statistical techniques. Conclusions The BMJ had a wider range and greater diversity of statistical methods than the other two journals. However, in all three journals there was a dearth of papers reflecting the diagnostic process. Across all three journals there were relatively few papers describing randomised controlled trials thus recognising the difficulty of implementing this design in general practice

The relational ethics of conflict and identity

The contemporary psychoanalytically inflected vocabulary of relational ethics centres on acknowledgement, witnessing and responsibility. It has become an important code for efforts to connect with otherness across fractures of hurt, oppression and suffering. One can see the deployment of this vocabulary to challenge patterns of exclusion and dehumanisation in zones of intense political conflict in many situations in which destructive hatred reigns. This paper traces some of the use of and disputes over this ‘acknowledgement-based’ relational ethics in the recent work of Jessica Benjamin and Judith Butler. The field of application is their response to Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians, given their position as Jews. The challenge of the acknowledgement agenda leads back to an issue of general concern – the degree to which relational ethics can prise open apparently closed and defensive psychosocial identities